Sermons on Ministry Struggles:

Are You Listening To God Or Goliath?

Contributed by Mike Fogerson on Dec 13, 2016

I wish that once I became a Christian my struggle with sin, depression, discouragement, bad habits would be overcome with just a prayer. If we want freedom/victory it means we have to square off with our devils . . . just like Jesus did in the wilderness.

Are You Listening to God or Goliath? (Inspired by article in Charisma August 2016 by Larry Dugger) 8/10/16 CFBC Chester, IL Dr. Mike Fogerson, Speaker Introduction: A I wish that once I became a Christian my struggle with sin, depression, discouragement, bad habits would be overcome with just a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13, Luke 17:1

Denomination: Baptist

Ten Keys To Reaching Youth

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Dec 10, 2002

Ten Keys to Reaching Youth (I Cor. 9:22,23) Young people struggle with loneliness, feelings of worthlessness, relativistic confusions, anger, hurt, meaninglessness, indifference, and unmet needs. Paul gives us insights into reaching them for Jesus Christ.

Ten Keys to Reaching Youth - I Cor. 9:22,23 Many young people struggle with loneliness, feelings of worthlessness, relativistic confusions, anger, hurt, meaninglessness, indifference, and unmet needs. Only 12% of people under 18 are coming to church in America. Even worse, only 10% of these ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:22-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Right Side Up In An Upside Down World Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Oct 1, 2015

Rather than giving a list of ideals to strive for, Jesus was showing the people how widely available God’s kingdom was – even for ordinary, poor, ignorant, imperfect, despised people. The beatitudes describe their struggle & grace to thrive in adversity.

Right Side Up in an Upside Down World Intro: The more I study the Sermon on the Mount, esp. the Beatitudes, the less prescriptive and the more descriptive they become to me. Here is what I mean by that. Last week as I shared them, I introduced the first one (poor in spirit) as a requirement for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-16

Denomination: Assembly Of God

God’s Grace Will Overcome

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 6, 2022

Grace can assist us in overcoming life’s problems by helping when all else fails. When we’re at the end of our rope, from struggling and trying everything humanly possible and exhausting our own resources, then grace steps in.

Every time I became frustrated it was because I was trying to do something myself . . . instead of putting my faith in God and receiving His grace. - Joyce Meyer(1) In our message this morning we’re going to look at grace to overcome life’s daily challenges. Grace is simply defined as, “The ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 4:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Church Health, Part 2 Of 3 Series

Contributed by Joey Nelson on May 4, 2006

Sources; Characteristics of a Healthy Church -- Willow Creek; Ten Characteristics of a Healthy Church Vision -- New England; Characteristics of a Healthy Church -- Sonlife Ministries -- Dann Spader; Eight Essential Qualities of Healthy Churches-- Natural

See Part 1 for Introduction; 5. Empowering Leadership The proof of a good leader is creating another leader, not more followers. Develop servant-leadership by strategically mentoring, teaching and serving the believers. A true leader’s measure of success is when they have succeeded in helping ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:2-11

A New Beginning Series

Contributed by David Owens on Aug 28, 2018

Even after Peter's wonderful surprises when Jesus was raised from the dead, he was still struggling to get past his failure. In John 21, we see Jesus giving Peter the opportunity to be reinstated to his role of apostle and leader.

A. I want to begin this morning with a poem by Louisa Fletcher: “I wish that there were some wonderful place Called the Land of Beginning Again. Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches And all of our poor selfish grief Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door And ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-23, 2 Corinthians 5:17-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Multigenerational Church

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Sep 2, 2023

Uncracking the secret of the early church is at the heart of this message. It looks at several key elements that has led the church to grow exponentially.

A young lady working on her master's degree in social work asked to work with me on a research project related to multigenerational trauma. She plans to get her Ph.D. and continue our work internationally. I had learned how various traits are transmitted across generations. My 5th great ...read more

Scripture: John 17:20-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Jesus Dealt With Temptation Series

Contributed by John White on Mar 21, 2008

A message of practical application of the principles shown us when Jesus encountered Satan on the Mt. of Temptation. One of a series about what Jesus said and did during His ministry on earth.

How Jesus Dealt With Temptation Matt. 4:1-11 It is always wise to define terms when a subject or topic is under consideration. Before we really consider how Jesus dealt with temptation, let us first define temptation. One of the best definitions I have seen is simply, "Temptation is the act ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Walks On The Water Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Jun 24, 2023

What’s the deeper message here for us today? It’s the gospel hidden in plain sight. I’ve noticed in the events of Jesus ministry we find the gospel again and again hidden in symbolic images.

Growing up in Wisconsin we would go “up north” twice a year at least, to a town called Minocqua. And we would spend hours boating, we would travel something they called up there the “chain of lakes.” We’d take my dads boat from lake Minocqua down through these thin passages, to lake Tomahawk, and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:45-46, Mark 6:50-52

Denomination: Salvation Army

Open Up And Say Ah!

Contributed by Tony Searles on Apr 17, 2002

God can & will open doors for us in ministry, but we must remember to keep our focus on Him. We cannot afford to look at those things which would deter us from God’s will.

Stand & Read - Rev. 3:7-13 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: [8] ’I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13, James 4:10

Denomination: Other

Evangelism In The Marketplace Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 17, 2025

Evangelism is not limited to the church; the marketplace is a vital mission field where souls can be won for Christ. Every believer has the responsibility to share the gospel through their work, business, and daily interactions.

EVANGELISM IN THE MARKETPLACE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Acts 17:17 Supporting Texts: Matthew 28:19-20, Colossians 4:5-6, Proverbs 11:30, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Matthew 5:14-16 INTRODUCTION The marketplace is more than a place of business; it is a mission field filled with people who need ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:17, Matthew 28:19-20, Colossians 4:5-6

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Wisdom, Knowledge And Understanding

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Aug 21, 2022

Beloved, to miss our purpose in life, is to miss everything because our purpose is what drives our vision and without the proper wisdom to use the knowledge we have learned, we will miss our assignment causing our life and ministry to end-up shipwrecked on the rocks of doom and despair.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Proverbs 4:5-6) (5) “Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.” (6) “Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.” (Proverbs ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 4:7, Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 15:18, Matthew 12:24, John 1:4, Proverbs 6:16-19, Ephesians 4:11-13, Hebrews 13:5, Romans 8:16-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Deliberate Church Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 4, 2021

One law professor said that without lying and bragging, half the pickup lines in bars across the country wouldn’t exist. Churches are deliberately places where bragging is non-existent (about ourselves) and where grace is paramount.

Today is Super Bowl Sunday. CBS is hoping for more than 100 million people watch the game today. The Super Bowl represents the best two teams and the best 106 players competing for bragging rights. There is little humility on the field today. They’ll talk about thankfulness and offer moderate words ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:4-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Place Is Too Small

Contributed by Jm Raja Lawrence on Jun 21, 2025

Sometimes God's blessing creates beautiful problems that require faithful responses, while other times success can lead to spiritual complacency that demands honest restoration.

The Place Is Too Small 2 Kings 6:1-6 Introduction There comes a moment in every believer's life, in every ministry, and in every congregation when we must honestly assess where we are and where God is calling us to go. Sometimes we find ourselves in seasons of growth that demand expansion, and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 6:1-6, Psalm 127:1, Zechariah 4:6, Judges 16:20, Ephesians 4:30, Genesis 6:3, 1 Thessalonians 5:19, 1 Corinthians 3:12, Joshua 3:13, Revelation 2:2-5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus Christ's Appearances Throughout Scripture. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Oct 9, 2025

Jesus' teachings emphasized love, forgiveness, and obedience to God's will

Creator and Image of God:In Colossians 1:15-17, we read that Jesus is the image of God and the Creator of all things. This passage highlights Jesus' divine nature and His role in creation. Born of Virgin Mary: Jesus came to Earth as a human, born of a virgin (Matthew 1:23), and ministered to ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-17